Italy Airbnb requirements, the 2026 rules that actually apply

Checking into Airbnbs and other short-term rentals is a little bit different in Italy than it is in other countries like France or Spain. This is because of some rules that changed beginning in 2024.  

If you’re planning a trip to Italy, it’s helpful to know which procedures apply to you when it comes to your accommodations. Whether you’re traveling to Italy on a visa or with your passport, if you’re going to be booking a short-term rental, this guide will tell you what to expect when you show up at the front door, and possibly even a bit before. 

Italy's check-in rules, what actually changed

In November 2024, Italy’s Interior Ministry issued a new policy that would require in-person identity verification, effectively banning self check-in. This was big news, as self check-in is one of the clear advantages of booking something like an Airbnb. However, in May 2025, the Lazio Administrative Court annulled it, making self check-in legal again. That isn't where the legal back and forth stopped. Just a few months later, in November 2025, the Council of State found a sort of in-between. Self check-ins became more specific.  

It’s a bit nuanced, but in order to do self check-in in Italy, there needs to be real-time visual identification of each guest. This can happen in person, through a video intercom, or some other kind of compliant remote system. Discrete lock boxes with keys in them are a thing of the past in Italy.

It isn’t the guests’ responsibility to make sure the check-in process follows Italian law; it’s the host’s. Failure to comply can result in fines that can be quite expensive, again, for the host, not the guest.

Figuring out how to comply can be complicated, especially for foreign owners or owners who live in other cities. The easiest answer is to hire a property manager, concierge service, or install a smart lock with video features that can identify the guests. It’s something that anyone who rents their apartment or home, whether they do it full time or just on occasion will need to plan for and budget for. 

Your data gets passed along

Every accommodation provider in Italy has to report the identity of every guest to the police within 24 hours of check-in. This isn’t a rule from Airbnb, and it also isn’t a new rule. It stems from Article 109 of the Consolidated Public Security Law, which actually goes all the way back to 1931 and applies across the board, whether you’re staying in a hotel, at a campsite, a bed and breakfast, or any sort of short-term accommodation. 

Before hosts can pass your information along, they have to show their owner identification, tax number, property registration, and proof that they have the right to rent it. 

When it comes to what needs to be collected and submitted, hosts have to pass along the name of each guest (their full names), date of birth, place of birth, nationality, the document type of the ID, the document number, place of issue, and date of issue. Italy isn’t the only place that requires guest information to be transmitted to the government – Spain is another. 

While it isn’t something you need to know as a guest, the host has twenty-four hours from check-in to send your information to the governing authority. Children are exempt if they’re under the age of 14 and traveling with a parent or guardian. 

Local Airbnb rules, city by city

Identification-verified check-in and the collection of some personal data are national policies, so they are the case whether you're staying in Rome or another Italian city. However, some cities have additional rules on top of those.

Florence, one of Italy’s most popular destinations, has capped its tourist rentals in the historic city center (the part that is UNESCO-listed). This is a relatively new rule, which launched in May 2025. Existing rentals already operating are allowed to continue on, but since May 2025, no new ones can be established. This means that anyone looking to buy in the historic city center and convert cannot. 

Another thing worth talking more about is Milan’s tourist tax. Milan raised its tourist tax, but for one year only – 2026. The reason it is one year only is because of the 2026 Winter Olympics. In 2027, the tourist tax pricing is set to return to pre-Olympic rates. 

How travelers should plan ahead

There are a few things that you should be aware of, but there isn’t any major thing you need to do ahead of time... yet.

First, you need a passport to travel to Italy when coming from outside the European Union. Your host is legally required to submit your passport number, dates, and issue country to the Italian authorities. They will likely photograph your passport, copy the information down, or ask you to fill out a form. 

When you rent an apartment, you’ll likely meet with someone when you check in due to Italy’s new check-in requirements. You may have a specific check-in time or window that you need to abide by, or work with the host to plan when exactly they should arrive. Make sure you read the listing information on check-in so you know what to expect – especially before booking so you can be sure you’re able to meet any requirements, such as arriving at a specific time. 

Another thing to be aware of is tourist taxes. Many countries and cities charge tourist taxes, and Italy is no different. Different cities and regions can have different rates, and they’re usually not included in the hotel price (though depending on the booking platform, they might be). Some cities have seasonal rates or per-day-visit rates, like Venice. Today, rates range anywhere from €3 to €10 depending on the type of accommodation and, again, the city. Oftentimes, tourist taxes are paid on-site. This is particularly common with hotels. For booking platforms, the tax may be collected up front.

In the future, Americans and Britons (among others) will be required to get authorization to travel to Italy. This authorization is a short process and happens online. It's called ETIAS, but it isn't required yet and there is no specific date announced. Learn more in our ETIAS Italy Guide.

Make sure you aware of which documents are required for Europe before you head to the airport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is self check-in banned in Italy? 

What information will my hotel in Italy collect from me?

Are children exempt from guest registration?